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John O'Shea looking for Sunderland to build on derby win

John O'Shea hopes a 3-0 derby victory over Newcastle will provide the spark Sunderland need in their survival bid.

Last Updated: 14/04/13 3:31pm

The Black Cats made the short journey to St James' Park on Sunday perched just above the drop zone, but ended the afternoon with a three-point cushion on the top-flight trapdoor.

They have five games remaining in which to steer clear of trouble, and O'Shea admits a comprehensive win at the home of an arch-rival will do wonders for confidence.

He told Sky Sports: "We obviously enjoyed it, but there is a lot more hard work to do.

"It's a massive result for us. We saw some of the results yesterday, buy you can't keep depending on other teams, you have to have a reaction yourself. It was a fantastic reaction from us today and one we can build on.

"I think our plan worked extremely well today of hitting Newcastle on the counter attack. It was a well-prepared week. We were so disappointed after the Chelsea second half, after playing so well in the first half, to give two sloppy goals away. It was important that we had a positive reaction today and thankfully we did.

"It's one for everyone, for the previous management as well. The new gaffer has come in and done fantastic, but it was a big effort today from everyone. It was for the fans as well. It was a big, big win for us and we have to continue the momentum now.

"We have got five more massive games to come but if we can perform like that, score goals like that, keep clean sheets, we are going to survive."

Impact

On the impact Paolo Di Canio has made during his short time on Wearside. O'Shea added: "A new manager always has a positive effect, no matter what.

"You see the type of character he is on the sideline, he brings that in but he also has the motivation and the technical attitude to want to get us to go and show the ability that we have. Thankfully, I think you saw that in a lot more patches today."